Host of Devils - The History and Context of the Making of Makonde Spirit Sculpture

A Host of Devils provides an in-depth account of the background, origin and development of the spirit figure sculptures which emerged during colonial times among the Makonde people of Mozambique.
The creation of such works is shown to connect with a regional system of knowledge and practice, within which spirits function as a format for expression. The book describes the ways in which the sculpture emerged, as well as the author's experience of learning how to carve.

List of contents

Preface. 1. The Makonde 2. Cosmology and the Body 3. Carvers and Patrons 4. Apprenticeship 5. Spirits, Affliction and Expression 6. The Role and Position of the Sculptor 7. Realms of Mastery and Subjugation, Instruments of Mediation and Passage 8. Conclusion: the Creative Project. Glossaries. Bibliography.

About the author

Zachary Kingdon is the Curator of African Collections at the Liverpool Museum and conducted research among Makonde sculptors in Tanzania between 1990 and 1992.

Summary

Zachary Kingdon here provides an in-depth account of the background, origin and development of the spirit figure sculptures which emerged during colonial times among the Makonde people of Mozambique.

Product details

• Authors: Zachary Kingdon, Kingdon Zachary
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 22.06.2012
• EAN: 9780415511018
• ISBN: 978-0-415-51101-8
• No. of pages: 266
• Series: Studies in Visual Culture
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Plastic arts; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Anthropology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Relating to indigenous peoples